William Shakespeare and the Globe

This non-fiction picture book tells the story of William Shakespeare's life and work, act by act, ending with the opening of the reconstructed Globe Theatre. The richly detailed illustrations, backed up by lively and interesting text, bring the story vividly to life, making this a highly accessible introduction. I liked the tone of the text very much, though I am not convinced that presenting it as quasi blank verse works as well as it could. It nearly makes it but not quite. Had it been written in 'real' blank verse - now that would have been an enviably clever touch. The book should appeal to children and adults alike, though older (child) readers might find the artwork style and large format rather young. For older (adult) readers, it would seem eminently suitable as the sort of book to be bought as a fact-packed souvenir of a visit to the Globe.